Sports in Chad: FTFA, FIFA Ban, and the Fight to Rebuild Football

When you think of football in Africa, names like Nigeria, Senegal, or Egypt often come up. But Chadian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Chad, responsible for the national team Les Sao and domestic leagues like LINAFOOT. Also known as FTFA, it’s the only organization that keeps organized football alive in a country with few resources but deep passion for the game. FTFA isn’t just a name on a letterhead—it’s the lifeline for thousands of young players who dream of playing beyond their neighborhoods. And for years, that lifeline was cut.

In 2021, FIFA banned FTFA because the Chadian government stepped in and took control of its operations. That’s a big deal. FIFA doesn’t allow political interference in football associations—it breaks the rule of autonomy. The ban meant Chad couldn’t play international matches, couldn’t enter World Cup qualifiers, and lost funding and support. The national team, Chad national team, also called Les Sao, representing Chad in international football competitions, went silent. No games. No visibility. No future for young talent. But in March 2025, after years of pressure and internal reform, FIFA lifted the ban. FTFA was reinstated. This wasn’t just a paperwork fix—it was a reset. New leadership, new rules, and a real push to clean up how football is run in Chad.

Now, the real work starts. LINAFOOT, Chad’s top domestic football league, which operates under FTFA and serves as the main talent pipeline for the national team needs funding, proper fields, and consistent scheduling. Coaches need training. Referees need certification. Kids need boots, not just dreams. The federation’s comeback isn’t about trophies—it’s about survival. And it’s not just about football. It’s about showing that even in a country facing economic hardship and political instability, sport can be a force for unity and structure.

If you’ve ever wondered how a small nation fights to stay in the global game, the story of FTFA tells you everything. There’s no flashy sponsorship here. No billionaire owners. Just people who refuse to let the game die. Below, you’ll find detailed breakdowns of how the ban happened, what’s changing now, and what’s next for Les Sao and the leagues that keep football alive in Chad.